Lancashire Spinners sit in second after doing double

Lancashire Spinners sit in second after doing double

LANCASHIRE Spinners senior men’s team had a successful weekend in the National League division three, the fourth tier of British basketball.

The Spinners won both games in a double header, as they hosted Sunderland on Saturday and travelled to face Cheshire Wire on Sunday.

Head Coach Mbongéni Greg Mpofu was pleased with his team’s performance and focus against Sunderland, running out 80-58 winners, and he was happy with the victory after defeat in the reverse fixture.

“This was a result and performance we absolutely needed after we had dropped the ball on the reverse fixture,” he said after the Spinners were beaten by 20 points in the previous meeting between the two sides.

“It was pleasing to me to see how focused every single player was on the defensive end, as we place a lot of stock on our ability to be disruptive and force teams out of their comfort zone.”

It did not start well for the Bury side as Sunderland raced out into a 10-2 lead.

The Spinners hit back through local lad Luc Baldwin, who hit a three as they finished the first quarter 18-16 ahead.

Former Manchester Giant, Nathan Schall, who finished with a team-high 21 points, took control in the second quarter and extended the lead to 10 points at half time.

The Spinners pressed home their advantage in the second half and convincingly won 80-58. Joseph Swindells and Barry Webster added 17 and 14 points respectively.

The Lancashire Spinners then hit the road for a Sunday match-up against Cheshire Wire.

Coach Mpofu admitted his team were not at their best despite easing to a 79-58 point victory, winning all four quarters.

“We weren’t at our best against Wire, if I’m honest, probably victims of a hangover from the previous day’s effort against Sunderland,” he said.

“This was another game that allowed us the opportunity to get all our players on the floor, and that experience down our roster will prove invaluable as we head to the tail-end of the season.”

Lancashire Spinners led the first quarter by 12 points following efforts from Adam Oldham, Nathan Schall and Barry Webster.

The Spinners led 39-25 at half time and despite Cheshire pulling the scoreline to within 11 at the start of the final period, youngsters Omar Abbassey and Callum Brady helped the Spinners to a 79-58 victory.

Arnold Emelone top scored for the Bury outfit with 17 points. The Spinners currently sit second in the table, with 12 wins from 14 games.

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